Time to Introduce Myself!: Impact of Self-disclosure Timing of Newcomers in Online Discussion Forums

Newcomers face various difficulties entering any communities and online forums are no exception. Due to the lack of familiarity and commitment to the group, newcomers are particularly sensitive to their early-on experiences in the forums. As a support mechanism to help newcomers blend into the group, online forums often encourage newcomers to introduce themselves upon joining the group. In this work we explored how the timing of these introduction influences newcomers' incorporation to the group. We found that providing introduction after some initial activities in the forum is associated with positive outcomes in terms of newcomers' contribution and commitment.